Sony and JVC Take Different Tacks in the High-End Camcorder Gamut

Conclusion

The contest between the progressive MonoCCD versus the triCCD interlaced hasn't produced a real winner. The JVC GR-PD1 produces a very sharp picture, thanks to its 25p progressive definition and its YUV output. On the other hand, the editing problems due to its MPEG-2 TS encoding heavily penalizes it as far as editing is concerned, which is a pity in view of the price. The Sony DCR-VX2100 has major ergonomic advantages while reproducing a very satisfactory image quality, especially in low light. All this leads us to advise you to choose whichever model best suits your needs:

Why Buy The GR-PD1 ?

• I want to shoot in 25p progressive mode to get optimal image clarity;
• I own a video projector, a monitor or a video capturing device with a Y / Pb / Pr input component;
• I want to film in 16:9 with a wider field;
• I like rather cool colors.

Why Buy The DCR-VX2100?

• I'm looking for a very sensitive camcorder to film in low light;
• I want to be able to edit easily using any kind of software;
• I like having a wide viewfinder of excellent quality;
• I want to be able to make very fine adjustments (shutter speed, exposure and sound);
• I like warm colors.

* The North American equivalent is the JVC GR-HD1. As opposed to the JVC GR-PD1, this model shoots in high definition at 1280x720 pixels.